Tallying device



July 8, 1958 F. MCKENNETT 2,842,314

TALLYING DEVICE Filed March 25, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR FRANK MCKENNETT F. MCKENN ETT TALLYING DEVICE July 8, 1958 2 Sheets-She??n 2 Filed March 25, 1955 FIG.6 F|G.7

FIG. 5

VISITORS DOUBLE States Patt TLLYING DEVICE Frank McKennett, Hempstead, N. Y. Application March 25, 1955, Serial No. 496,636

7 Claims. (Cl. 23S- 114) rihis invention relates to indicating means in general, particularly to indicating means having manually settable tally registering and indicating elements for a plurality of related categories, and more particularly to tally devices of the card type such as small-size or pocket size score cards having a plurality of scoring categories.

The general object of the subject invention is to provide a novel indicating or tallying device which will be simple and economical to construct and assemble and the parts of which can be made of inexpensive material, such as cardboard material, plastic sheet material, or the like.

A feature of the invention is a compact arrangement of indicating or tally elements Ion a mount, whereby a latrge number of the elements may be accommodated within a smali area of the mount. More specifically, this feature involves an arc-overarc overlapping arrangement of thin, fiat indicator disks, particularly number dials, mounted flat between a pair of sheets joined into a carrying card for the disks. The aro'OVer-arc overlap of the dials of a series or gang of dials increases the number of diais which may be mounted in a given area of the carrying card. Considering a line or column of the dials, it may consist of a greater num-ber of dials, by reason of the dial overlap, than could otherwise be accommodated within a given linear dimension of the card. riChus, a comparatively small card may provide for a -relatively large number of indicating, tallying, or scoring categories.

A further advantage of the overlapping of the dials, besides the space saving advantage, is that the resulting rictional Contact between dial faces deters undesired turning of the dials. Also, frictional contact between dial faces and the component sheets of the card deters undesired turning of the dials.

Preferably, the invention provides two columns of overlapping number dials, one column along `one side of the card and the other column along the opposite side of the card. Corresponding to the dial columns are columns of sight openings in the card for the respective dial columns. Category indicia are provided on the card for identifying the dials with respect to the categories for which they keep tallies.

In one exemplary embodiment, one dial column is exposed through sight openings in one card sheet, while the other column is exposed through sight openings in the other card sheet. A feature yof the invention, disclosed in connection with this embodiment, is the location of the dials entirely inwardly of outer edges of the card, rendering these edges effective to guard the dials against unwanted engagement while the card is being cartried about or being put into or taken out of a pocket of a garment of the user. By thus guarding the dials, the outer edges of the card prevent unintended turning of the dials by accidental engagement with the edges or" the dials. However, to facilitate the intentional turning of the dials, the card is recessed between the dial guarding edges, each recess being centered relative to a dial of a ICC column 0f the dials and of a size permitting entry of a finger to engage and turn the dial. The invention utilizes the recesses in the side edge of one card sheet as sight openings for a dial column along said side.

In the stated embodiment, supplemental dials are mounted at opposite ends of the card. In this embodiment, the supplemental dials are pairs of denominationally `ordered total tallying dials, at least one dial in each pair overlapping an end dial of a column. In one arrangement, the dials of each pair overlap to an extent disposing digit segment at corresponding sides of the dial axes in adjacent, side-by-side denominationally ordered reading positions. ln an alternative arrangement, adjacent digit segments at non-corresponding sides of the axes of the respective dials of a total tallying pair are exposed in denominationally ordered, side-by-side viewh ing positions.

The invention, as exemplified in the stated embodiment, also provides for facilitating the turning of dials, particularly of the dials in each column, by forming the dials with peripheral notches. Preferably, each dial has ten such notches, one for each of its ten digit positions. The edge recesses in the sides of the card are of individual lengths commensurate with the distance between successive notches and digit positions of a dial, whereby an operator can engage a finger with a notch in a dial and turn the dial until the finger stops against an end of the recess which thus limits the manual turning of the dial to one digit step upon each finger engagement. This step of dial movement is just sufficient to advance a next digit of the dial to viewing position.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, both columns of overlapping dials are viewed through sight openings in the same sheet of the card. ln connection with this embodiment, another feature of the invention is shown. This feature involves the provision of settable carry indicating elements, one such element in association with one dial. Preferably, the carry elements bear only tens order digit l, since the tally for any one category will rarely exceed 19. Each carry element is manually adjustable from a standby position indicative of zero in the tens order to an alternative position where the element dispiays tens order digit l at the left of a units order digit displayed by the related dial through a common sight opening in the card. In one form, the carry elements are manually settable slide pieces, while in another form, the carry elements are fiat pieces rockably mounted on the pivots of the respectively associated dials.

According to the invention, the tallying device may be easily put together by mounting one set of the dials by eyelets or the like on one component sheet of the card and mounting another set of the dials, to occupy final positions staggered relatively to the final positions of the dials of the first set, by eyelets or the like on the other component sheet of the card. The two sheets, with the dials between them, may then be fastened together to form a card pivotally confining the dials between its component sheets.

Other objects of the invention will become clear from the following portions of the specification and from the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a face view of a golf score card embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a section along line 2-2 of Fig. l and is drawn on a magnified scale.

Fig. 3 is a section, also on a magnified scale, along line 3 3 of Fig. l.

Fig. 4 is a face View of the upper portion of a score card such as shown in Fig. l, but looking at the reverse face and showing a modified arrangement of the total tally dials.

Fig. 7 is asection on a similar scale along line `7--7 A of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a broken section, on a magniedscale, along lines 8 8 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 9 is a face view of a fragment of a score card with a modification of over-9 elements.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, the golf score card includes two flat sheets 10 and 11 of the same rectangular size and which may be made of cardboard, plastic sheet material, or any other desired and suitable material. Sheets 10 and 11 are attached to each other at the corners by ordinary eyelet fasteners 12 to form a two-layer card. Conned at between sheets 10 and 11 are number dials 14, each with a circle of ten digits to 9. The dials are thin fiat disks of suitable material which may be similar to that of sheets and 11. A column of nine dials is arranged at the left side of the card to tally the scores of the out holes U1 to 9 of a golf round. A set of numbers l to 9 printed on the face of sheet 10 identities the hole categories of the left hand column of dials which may be identified as dials 14-1 to 9. Similarly, numbers l0 to 18 printed on the face of sheet 11 index the categories of the right hand column of dials which may be identified as dials 14-10 to 18. The totals for the out and in holes are tallied by two pairs of units and tens order dials 14U and 14T, the out totaling pair at the bottom end of the card and the in pair at the top end.

Each of the various dials is pivotally mounted, at between the card plies, sheets 10 and 11, on the tubular shank of lan eyelet 15. The dials in each column are in arc-over-arc overlapped relation, reducing the length of card required to accommodate them. One or both dials of each totaling pair may overlap dials of the columns. In the Fig. 1 arrangement, one dial of each pair overlaps an end dial of a column. Also, the dials of each pair are in overlapped relation. This arrangement reduces the required card width. The overlapping dial relations not only reduce the required card dimensions but also provide friction between dial faces as a result of which accidental turning of the dials is deterred.

In assembling the score card, alternate dials are mounted by eyelets 15 to one card sheet and the inter- Vening dials are similarly mounted on the other card sheet. The two sheets are then superimposed, one over the other, with the dials between them in nal overlapping relation, and the assembly is completed by fastening the sheets together by the eyelet fasteners 12.

To conveniently isolate the out and in dial sets from each other, they are exposed to view from opposite faces of the card, in a manner explained later.

The dials are settable by linger actuation. For. ease of nger manipulation, the dials 14 in the columns are each provided with peripheral notches 14a. Preferably, each dial has ten notches interspersed with its digit positions.

All the dials, 14, 14U and 14T, are located completely inwardly of the card boundaries which thus guard the dials from inadvertent rim engagement and turning. Considering the dial columns particularly, they are guarded by side boundary edges 10a of sheet 10 and corresponding boundary edges 11a of sheet 11. At the left side of sheet 10, it is formed between edges Illa with recesses 10b so sized as to function as sight openings for the dials of the left hand column. The left side of the sheet 11 could be left as a straight guarding boundary edge for the left hand dial column. But in order to provide ready access to the dial rims, the left side of sheet 11 also is formed with recesses 11b interrupting the dial guarding edge portions 11a. Recesses 11b are preferably of the same individual length as the recesses 10b. For simplicity of construction, recesses 11b also match recesses 10b in depth and shape. Each recess 11b is directly under a matching recess 10b. Each matched pair of recesses has a length substantially commensurate with a digit step of a dial. To manipulate a dial of the left hand column, an operator will insert a linger into the matched pair of recesses into which the dial intrudes, engage the nger with a notch 14a of the dial, and turn the dial one digit step before the finger stops against an end of the matched pair of recesses. Turning of the dial is thus limited to one digit step upon each linger actuation of the dial, this step bringing a next digit on the dial to view.

As explained, the right hand column of dials is to be viewed from the face of the card reverse to the face from which the left hand column is viewed. That is, to view the right hand column, the card must be turned over from the position shown in Fig. l. Accordingly, the right side of sheet 11, as viewed in Fig. 1, has recesses 11e which correspond to recesses lilb and function as sight openings for the dials of the right hand column. Matching the recesses 11e` are recesses 10c in the right hand side edge of sheet 10.

In the arrangement of totalling dials 14U and 141 shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the dials of each pair overlap to an extent placing digit segments of the paired dials and at corresponding sides of their axes in side-by-side denominationally ordered exposure positions. The out totaling pair is to be viewed from the card face presented by sheet 10, while the in pair is to be viewed from the card face presented by sheet 11. Hence, sheet 10 has a sight opening 17a, at the same side of the axes of the out pair, through which digits on thispair are exposed; and sheet 11 has `a similar sight opening 1717 for the in pair of dials. Recesses 13a and 13b in the two end boundary edges of the card alfcrd access to an Operators finger for turning the totaling dials. It is preferred in the Fig. l arrangement of totaling dials to omit notches in the dial rims.

Fig. 4 shows a different arrangement of dials of a totaling pair. In Fig. 4 the in pair is shown. The totaling dials are here designated 14'U and 14T. Dial 14T `overlaps an end dial of the in column and dial 14U overlaps an end dial of the out column. The totaling dials also may overlap but more conveniently have their rims spaced apart as shown. In this arrangement, adjacent digit segments of the totaling dials but at non-corresponding sides of their axes are exposed side-byside, in denominational order relationship, through a sight opening 17B in card sheet 11A. The totaling dials are here formed with peripheral notches such as 14a (Fig. l). Individual access to the totaling dials is afforded by recesses 18 in the top, dial guarding edge of the card.

Figs. 5 to 8 show a baseball score card as another ernbodiment of the invention. The baseball score card includes front and back sheets 20 and 21 suitably attached together as a mounting card for tally elements. The tally elements include left and right hand columns of dials 22, each marked on a face with a circle of digits 0 to 9. Dials 22 are similar to dials 14 except that they are formed with smooth rims, although it is understood that the rims may be notched or knurled if desired. The dials in each column (Fig. 5) are overlapped to obtain the advantages explained in relation to the first embodiment (Fig. l). The dials 22 are assembled to sheets 20 and 21 in the same manner as the dials 14 are assembled to sheets 10 and 11, each dial 22 being rotatively engaged around the shank of an eyelet 23. Yindicia printed on sheet 20 identify the scoring categories to which the dials 22 relate. The dials may be located inwardly ofthe boundary edges of the card if it is desired to guard Vthem against accidental rim engagement and turning, but

since it is not contemplated that the baseball score card will be handled by an active participant in the game, as is the golf score card, it is unnecessary to guard the dials and they are permitted to protrude past the card sides, increasing accessibility of the dials to nger engagement and turning thereby. Sheet iii) has two columns of sight openings associated with the two dial columns. Finger actuation of `a dial will bring a desired digit into View at the sight opening for the dial. To take care of the possibility that the score in a category may be over 9-it rarely will exceed l9-manipulative carry indicating elements are provided. In the form shown in Figs. 5 to 8, the carry indicating elements related to the left hand dial column `are flat slides 25, marked respectively with the digit 1. Similar but longer slides 25a are associated with the right hand dial column. Each slide has a bifurcated end straddling the pivot of its associated dial. At its other end, the slide has a forwardly bent tab 25!) having a sliding fit between the top and bottom edges of a sight opening 24. The slides 2S lie flat on the front faces of the associated dials. With tab 25h of a slide 25 against the left edge of the sight opening through which the tab extends, the digit 1 on the slide is concealed by sheet 2). To bring the digit into View, the slide 2S is shifted by means of its tab a distance such as to expose the digit through the sight opening and to the left of the exposed digit of the related dial. The number exposed through the sight opening is then `a two-place number, with the units order digit being a selected digit of a dial and the tens order digit being the digit 1 on the related slide 2S. The slides 25a associated with the right hand dial column underlie their related dials and in idle indicating positions of these slides, the digits l thereon are concealed by the dials. To expose the digit 1 on a slide 25b through the pertinent sight opening, the slide is shifted by means of its tab to the left until the tab stops against the left side of the sight opening. The digit l on the slide is thereby exposed to the left of a digit of the related dial.

As an alternative to slidable carry indicating elements such as 25 and 25a, pivoted elements may be used. Fig. 9 shows pivoted elements 30 associated with dials 32 in a left hand column and similar but longer pivoted elements 34) in association with dials of a right hand column. Each pivoted element is mounted on the same pivot 31 which mounts the related dial. The dials and pivoted elements 30 and 30' are confined between front sheet 33E and back sheet 3BR of the score card which is of the same type as the one shown in Figs. 5 to 8. Each of the pivoted elements 30 and 30 bears the digit l on its face. The left hand elements 30 are in front of the related dials while the right hand elements 30 are in back of their related dials. With an element 30 in tilted position, a forwardly bent tab 30a of the element is against the left edge 33a of the front sheet 33F and the digit on the element is below a sight Iopening 34 for the element and related dial. To bring the digit on the element 30 into View in tens order place to the left of a digit of the related dial, the element is moved down by means of its tab 30a to a stop position against a stud carried by the front sheet 33E. The elements 30 have their tabs Silu bent rearwardly and in the tilted position of an element 30' its tab is against the right hand edge 33h of the back sheet 33R. To bring the digit 1 on the element 30 into View, it is moved down against a stop stud 36 carried by the back sheet.

It is to be noted that the carry indicating elements of either the slidable or the pivoted type are higher order indicating elements but of limited capacity.

While the invention has been disclosed with reference to several exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that variations, changes and departures from the form and details of the disclosed embodiments and in their operation may be made by those skilled in the art 6 Without departing from the invention. It is therefore intended to be limited only as indicated by the following claims.

I claim:

l. A portable indicating article comprising a card composed of separate sheets secured together at spaced points and otherwise unattached, a column of thin 'liat indicator dials confined at between unattached surfaces of the sheets, pivots rotatively mounting the dials to the card, and sight openings in the card spaced similar-ly to the dial axes for exposing chosen indicia of the dials, the dials in the column each bearing on a f-ront face a circle of digits of a lower denominational order, and carry indicating elements respectively associated with the dials, each element being a flat piece conned between the card sheets and mounted by means including the pivot of the associated dial, each element ybearing on a front face carry indicant and adjustable manual-ly from a position in which the indicant thereon is concealed to a position in which the indicant is displayed by the sight opening for the related dial in a position adjacent the digit displayed by the dial.

2. A portable indicating device as defined in claim 1, two such dial columns being provided, a right hand column and a left hand column, the carry indicating elements associated with the dials of the left hand column being in superimposed relation to t-he dials and the elements associated with the right hand column of dials being in underlying relation thereto.

3. A portable indicating article as defined in claim 1, the sight openings for the dials being rectangular, the carry indicating elements being flat slide elements slidably engaging the pivots of the associated dials and also including tabs bent forwardly from the faces of the elements to project through the sight openings of the associated dials and having slidable tit between parallel edges of the sight openings, each element being manually adjustable by engagement with its tab from the position in which the indicant on the element is concealed to the alternative position in which the indicant thereon is displayed through the sight opening for the associated dial.

4. The invention according to claim 1, the carry indicating elements being rockable elements rotatively mounted on the pivots of the associated dials.

5. The invention according to claim 4, each said element protruding past an edge of the card and provided on its protruding portion with a projection to engage said card edge to limit -rockable movement of the element.

6. A portable game scoring article comprising a card, 'an array of manually turnable dat dials, each bearing on `a front face a circumferential series of lower order values of a scoring category, pivots rotatably mounting the dials on the card, sight openings in the card spaced similarly to the spacing of the dial axes for displaying chosen values of the dials, and supplemental elements respectively associated with the dials and bearing on their front faces higher order indicants for the scoring categories of the associated dials, each element being a at piece mounted to the card in overlapping relation to the associated dial and manually adjustable to exhibit a said higher order indicant thereon adjacent the associated dial.

7. The invention according to claim 6, each of said supplemental elements being rotatively mounted to the card 'by means of the pivot of the associated dial.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 544,907 Braine Aug. 20, 1895 l1,193,441 Stroud Aug. 1, 1916 1,951,002 Iverson Mar. 13, 1934 

